Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising remains one of the most effective and flexible digital marketing tools available in 2025. For small businesses especially, it offers a fast way to drive traffic, generate leads, and grow revenue. A well-executed PPC campaign can generate profit faster than most other online marketing methods—and, most importantly, it connects your brand with customers at exactly the right moment.
According to recent industry data, 65% of users click on PPC ads when they’re ready to make a purchase—a compelling reason to include it in your marketing mix.
The Power of Local PPC and Search in Duluth
Local PPC is more important than ever. With mobile use on the rise and location-based search behavior becoming the norm, businesses in Duluth and across the country should prioritize “near me” strategies.
Key 2025 statistics to know:
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76% of people who conduct a local search on a smartphone visit a business within 24 hours (Google).
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28% of local searches result in a purchase (Google).
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30% of all mobile searches are location-related (Google).
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Up to 72% of users who conduct a local search visit a store within five miles (WordStream).
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Top 3 paid ad spots capture nearly 46% of all clicks (Search Engine Land).
If you’re running a local business and not investing in local PPC, you’re likely missing out on some of the most qualified leads.
What Is PPC?
PPC stands for “pay-per-click” advertising—a digital model where advertisers pay only when someone clicks on their ad. You set a budget, choose your target audience, and promote your message on platforms like:
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Google Ads (search, display, YouTube, shopping)
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Meta Ads (Facebook, Instagram)
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Microsoft Ads (Bing)
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LinkedIn Ads (for B2B and professional targeting)
Google Ads Basics
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Based on keywords that users type into Google Search.
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Ads appear when your keywords match what someone is searching for.
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You can target by location, demographics, and device.
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Google’s most popular format is the Search Ad—text-only with headlines, a description, and a link.
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In 2025, Smart Bidding and Performance Max campaigns help optimize for conversions automatically.
Facebook & Instagram (Meta) Ads Basics
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Ads are built and managed in Meta Ads Manager.
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Ad formats include photo, video, carousel, Reels, and Stories.
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You can target by demographics, interests, behaviors, location, and website activity.
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Ads also show up on Instagram, Messenger, and the Meta Audience Network.
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Great for brand awareness, remarketing, and lead generation.
Key Benefits of PPC Advertising
1. Immediate Results
PPC offers one of the fastest ways to generate web traffic. You can launch a campaign and start seeing results the same day. This makes it ideal for product launches, promotions, or driving leads during a slow season.
2. Measurable ROI
Every aspect of a PPC campaign is trackable—impressions, clicks, conversions, cost-per-click (CPC), and return on ad spend (ROAS). This transparency helps you make smarter marketing decisions and adjust campaigns in real-time.
3. Targeted Reach
Serve ads to your ideal audience based on detailed criteria: location, age, gender, interests, search behavior, and more. The more refined your targeting, the higher your conversion rate.
4. Local Business Impact
Local PPC gives Duluth-area businesses an edge by appearing in local search results right when consumers are looking. According to Google, 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within a day—making local ads a high-converting opportunity.
5. Flexible Budgeting
You control your daily or total ad spend. Whether you’re investing $100 or $10,000, PPC campaigns can be scaled up or paused at any time. Plus, you only pay when someone actually clicks your ad.
6. Valuable A/B Testing
PPC platforms let you test multiple versions of ads, headlines, images, and targeting to find what works best. This data can also help improve your messaging across other marketing channels.
7. Brand Recognition
Even if users don’t click, PPC ads improve visibility. Google reports that search ads can increase brand awareness by up to 80%, reinforcing your credibility and keeping you top of mind.
8. Insightful Performance Data
Google Ads and Meta Ads provide in-depth dashboards with campaign metrics and audience insights. You’ll understand what’s working—and what’s not—so you can continually optimize.
PPC Tips for Success in 2025
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Don’t spend more than you earn—optimize bids and monitor ROAS.
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Give your campaign time to perform—data takes time to build.
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Test multiple ad sets to see what works best.
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Monitor your competitors for inspiration and insight.
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Don’t set it and forget it—PPC requires active management to get the best results.
Final Thoughts
PPC advertising is still one of the best ways to grow your business—especially if you want fast, trackable, and targeted results. Whether you’re a Duluth-based business looking for more local visibility or an e-commerce brand looking to scale, PPC offers a solution that delivers.
If you’re not sure where to start, or if you’re too busy to manage it all, we can help. Our digital marketing team specializes in managing PPC campaigns that are customized to your goals, audience, and budget.
Let’s talk about how we can help your business grow with PPC in 2025. Contact us today!
